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Don't think pictures can be misleading??

N8N8 Posts: 505
in U.S. Coin Forum
While practicing on some proof photo-taking yesterday I took some interesting (to me at least) pictures... followed by a question.

Reverse of a 1976 Proof Quarter - Notice the random spots and marks (especially under the M in America).

image


Now here is a picture of the same coin...

image

Looks a littler better yeah? A different lighting angle can make all the difference. I have learned that you can't always trust a photo (I know, its about time I figured that out right?).

My question is do you think it would fair to list the coin using the second picture? As of now I don't feel that it would be fair to any potential buyers, but it is an unedited representation... what say you?
First get the knowledge, then the coins.

imageimage

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    CladiatorCladiator Posts: 18,354 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That "drummer boy" sure seems pretty ripped. He should have been behind a rifle and not a drum image
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    Rob85635Rob85635 Posts: 1,230 ✭✭✭
    How about listing it with the second picture first, then the first picture and tell them you are providing two pictures from two angles? I would buy it anyway if I was a collector of those, both pictures look ok to me.

    Rob the Newbie

    Rob the Newbie
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    MesquiteMesquite Posts: 4,075 ✭✭✭
    N8 - you have discovered a very good thing to know. Lighting can make a very big difference in what you see from a coin. Case in point, I'm a toner lover. I discovered a year or so ago that the 1971 Canada Commemorative dollar was a real chameleon (sp?). When shot straight on with normal light positioning, they don’t look like much to write home about. They are typically very reflective so the coin surfaces appear dark and, aside from the device designs, nondescript. However, if you shoot them at an angle they can burst into an impressive display of color.

    The coin pair shown below is the same coin shot two different ways. The bottom line is that unless you see the coin in hand, you frequently don’t really know what the coin looks like. In hand this coin is a real chameleon.

    image
    There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.
    –John Adams, 1826
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    N8N8 Posts: 505
    Those are some great pictures of exactly what I'm talking about, thanks a lot. I am learning the importance of two things right now: seeing things first hand, and buying slabbed can be a good idea!
    First get the knowledge, then the coins.

    imageimage
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    mgoodm3mgoodm3 Posts: 17,497 ✭✭✭
    Understanding how images can fool you is the first step to not getting fooled by them.
    coinimaging.com/my photography articles Check out the new macro lens testing section
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    ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,517 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Of course they can be. Some things I've seen is ultra dark proof fields hiding marker lines (yes, marker lines) and reflections off mylar on cardboard 2x2s hiding damage on the coin.

    Great pics Mesquite! Lovely toning image
    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
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    GoldenEyeNumismaticsGoldenEyeNumismatics Posts: 13,187 ✭✭✭


    << <i>That "drummer boy" sure seems pretty ripped. He should have been behind a rifle and not a drum image >>

    hahah I noticed that too

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